NFL Free Agency Heats Up- Franchise Tags, Releases, and Contract Talks Shape the League Landscape

The decisions made in these final hours will reshape rosters and set the tone for the upcoming free agency period that football fans eagerly anticipate each year.

Kansas City Chiefs made the first major move by placing their non-exclusive franchise tag on Pro Bowl guard Trey Smith. This smart play keeps their offensive line intact while they negotiate a potential long-term deal. The Chiefs hit the jackpot when they drafted Smith alongside center Creed Humphrey in 2021, with Humphrey already securing his payday. Football analysts who track these moves know a betting bonus might add extra value for fans who want to place early wagers on which teams will emerge as winners once the free agency dust settles.

The Cincinnati Bengals reportedly plan to tag wide receiver Tee Higgins for a second consecutive year. As the top-ranked free agent on many expert lists, Higgins stands out as a true No. 1 receiver who happens to play alongside Ja'Marr Chase. His situation remains fluid, with a tag-and-trade scenario still possible if the Bengals cannot secure a long-term agreement before the deadline closes.

The Dallas Cowboys face a similar situation with defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, ranked seventh on the free-agent rankings. They intend to use their franchise tag if both parties fail to reach a contract agreement before Tuesday. Critics point to this as another example of Dallas struggling with self-scouting, as they failed to lock down this rising interior pass rusher before he excelled in his contract year.

For those unfamiliar with the franchise tag system, it comes in multiple forms. The exclusive tag prevents players from negotiating with other teams and guarantees them a salary equal to either the average of the top five salaries at their position or 120% of their previous salary. The non-exclusive tag allows players to talk with other teams, with their current team able to match any offers or receive two first-round draft picks as compensation.

Tag values vary significantly by position. Quarterbacks command the highest price at $40.24 million, while kickers and punters sit at the bottom with $6.31 million. Linebackers ($25.45 million), defensive tackles ($25.12 million), and offensive linemen ($23.4 million) occupy the middle tier of the pay scale.

Philadelphia Eagles made news with a different type of roster move, as reports indicate they plan to release cornerback Darius Slay. The 34-year-old veteran, who spent five seasons with the team after arriving from Detroit, stated his intention to retire following the 2025 season. His production declined last year when he failed to record an interception for the first time since his rookie campaign, though he still contributed 49 tackles and 14 pass breakups in 14 starts.

The Eagles face difficult decisions regarding their defensive line as well. Milton Williams ranks third on free-agent lists after his standout performances in the NFC Championship Game and Super Bowl. Many experts consider this a rare misstep by GM Howie Roseman, who failed to sign Williams to an extension earlier. Josh Sweat also seems likely to depart Philadelphia after taking a pay cut before the 2024 season, despite playing like a quality starter for most of his seven-year Eagles career.

Linebacker Zack Baun presents another key decision point for the Eagles. Ranked fifth overall among free agents, Baun and Jalen Carter stood out as the two best players on the league's top defense. His versatility proved invaluable, as he logged more than 150 snaps as both a defensive lineman and slot defender in addition to his linebacker duties.

The Los Angeles Rams remain at the center of several major storylines. Head coach Sean McVay addressed the potential trade of star receiver Cooper Kupp, calling it the "hardest decision" of his coaching career. Kupp previously expressed his disagreement with the move, having spent his entire NFL career with the Rams organization. McVay acknowledged the difficulty but stated the team felt it represented the best direction for their future.

The Rams did secure one key piece by re-signing offensive tackle Alaric Jackson to a three-year, $57 million contract with $35 million guaranteed. The former undrafted player developed into a reliable protector of Matthew Stafford's blind side, and his new deal reflects his market value.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford will remain with the Rams after working out a restructured deal that will adjust his existing extension. McVay told reporters he expects to have a similar conversation with Stafford next season but hopes it will not take as long to resolve. The current agreement runs through 2026 and likely modifies Stafford's substantial salary cap hits of $49.7 million and $53.7 million over the next two seasons.

The quarterback market looks particularly intriguing this year. Sam Darnold ranks sixth overall among free agents after his revival with the Minnesota Vikings, though questions linger about his performance in the final two games of the season. The former first-round pick showed enough promise to attract significant interest, especially given the scarcity of quality options at the position.

Justin Fields sits at number 21 on the free-agent rankings after a solid but unspectacular stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers. As a young quarterback with obvious talent, Fields will likely find teams willing to give him another opportunity to prove himself as a starter. The Steelers might retain interest in keeping him around to see more development.

Russell Wilson presents a different case altogether. After no team wanted to pay him last year, Wilson experienced an up-and-down run in Pittsburgh that exposed his limitations as a starter. Now at age 36, he profiles more as a quality backup than a reliable week one starter.

Veteran cornerbacks should find a strong market this offseason. Carlton Davis (ranked 10th), Charvarius Ward (11th), and D.J. Reed (12th) headline a solid group. Ward's situation proves particularly compelling as he seeks a fresh start away from California following the tragic death of his daughter during the 2024 season. Prior to this personal tragedy, Ward performed as one of the best cornerbacks in football.

The wide receiver market features several notable names beyond Higgins. Chris Godwin (ranked 9th) comes with some risk after suffering a dislocated ankle, but his talent remains undeniable. Amari Cooper (13th) experienced an up-and-down season split between Cleveland and Buffalo, with injuries limiting his production with the Bills. Stefon Diggs (30th) faces questions after tearing his ACL with the Texans while transitioning to more of a slot role.

As teams navigate these complex roster decisions, the moves made in the coming weeks will shape competitive landscapes across the NFL. With franchise tag decisions due by Tuesday afternoon and free agency officially opening on March 12, front offices must balance short-term needs against long-term financial flexibility while trying to build championship-caliber rosters in an increasingly competitive league.